Read Online Rachel Laine (The Women of Merryton Book 3) by Jennifer Peel - Free Book Online Page B

married to someone with a baby. He said I had to choose between him
or Drew. Drew was the only choice I’d ever make, so he left. I decided I wasn’t
ever going to let any man think he could ever be a choice.”
     “So
you gave up being married to raise Drew?”
    “I
didn’t give up anything to raise Drew. Raising him has been a gift and a privilege.”
    He
was quiet for a moment, which was unusual for him. “Thank you, Rachel Laine.”
    “For
what?”
    “For
doing what I should have been doing all of these years, and for giving it your
all. Drew is lucky to have you for a mom.”
    “You
don’t need to thank me. I’m the lucky one.” I paused and sighed as I remembered
Drew’s growing attachment to Andrew. “Andrew … we really need to talk about
whether you’re all in.”
    “We
will.” He sounded apprehensive. “Can I come and see you when I get back into
town on Wednesday?”
    “I
suppose.”
    “Are
you going to make dinner, or should I?”
    “You
are so presumptuous.”
    He
laughed. “So I’m cooking then?”
    “No,
I better. Who knows what you might introduce Drew to if I let you cook.”
    He
laughed at me again.
    “Oh,
hey, by the way, who won the game tonight?” I asked.
    “Oh
… uh … I don’t know. I left the game early.”
    “Why
would you do that?”
    “I
wanted to make sure I caught you before you went to bed.” His words tumbled out
of his mouth like he was embarrassed.
    “Oh,
well.” I guess that was sweet. “Goodnight, Andrew.”
    “Goodnight,
Rachel Laine.”

Chapter Eight
     
    Each
team had won one game by the time the series came back to Colorado. I’d felt
kind of bad that the night the Bears won, Andrew had missed it. I don’t know
why I felt bad, it’s not like I’d asked him to call me, but I guess it was a
kind gesture on his part. In fact, it was a gesture he kept making. He called
me twice on Tuesday—once during the day and once in the evening so he could
talk to Drew, too.
    During
the course of our conversations I found out that he had gone to CU as well, but
he had graduated several years before me with a degree in political science.
That surprised me—he seemed like too much of a goofball to be a poly-sci major,
but I guess it made sense since he was considering going into politics. What
did he say, though? “I can’t believe you never heard of me. I was a legend at
CU.” He was the most conceited man I had ever met.
    In
addition, I found out that the state representative seat he was considering
running for was once held by his dad, Oliver. When he spoke of his father, I
could hear the love and respect he had for him, as well as his sadness over
losing him.
    Wednesday,
he planned on coming over right after school as long as his flight was on time,
which meant I had to take off work early. Not that it was that big of a deal,
since I was kind of the boss, but it annoyed me. And I was missing girl’s night
at Jessie Belle’s for him. Deal with the devil . Keep playing smart. I kept reminding myself.
    I
didn’t tell Drew he was coming over until I knew for sure he would make it. I was
wary of the whole situation.
    Taylor
had pestered me to give her the reason I wasn’t coming, and I almost told her.
If anyone could understand my predicament, it was her. Easton wasn’t exactly
father of the year to their daughter Ashley for most of her life. I knew how
hard it was for Taylor to let Easton back into not only their daughter’s life,
but hers as well. I promised her I would explain later.
    I
wasn’t the least bit surprised when we got home and Andrew’s black Yukon was
already in my driveway. My son’s excitement level went through the roof. I barely
stopped him from jumping out before the car came to a complete stop. Andrew got
out of his car when he saw us pull up. He was carrying a bag with a large
wrapped box sticking out of it. So much for non-expensive and not extravagant. He probably had to buy the seat next to him in first class to bring